LOCAL POLITICS HUB
Updated : June 9, 2025
We know it's hard to find essential information on local politics. DOVERNOW.COM is dedicated to fact-based dialogue. We will not be a home for angry rants or unsubstantiated rumors. DOVERNOW.COM will give you information you can use. We'll curate the latest updates to keep you up-to-date on news, so check back often!
This section is focused on Dover, for now, but stay tuned for additional coverage in surrounding communities.
NEWS YOU NEED:
*KNOW WHERE TO GO TO CAST YOUR VOTE. Find your polling place.
*Dover Town Council voted to ban in-person attendance for its meetings. Can they really do that?
*Dover Town Council bars public from council meetings - story to come.
*Primary elections are June 10th, 2025. See special section below
How We Cover Local Politics
We believe in democracy. The kind of democracy that respects opposing views, encourages honest and fact-based debate, and embraces compromise to support the common good. We believe in helping all residents commit to being informed and curious voters who take their civic duty seriously. We put a premium on civility and won't amplify disrespectful behavior.
Have an opinion or question? Contact us at editor@dovernow.com
Latest on Local Politics from DoverNow
June 10th Primary Election Guide
Informed. Connected. Together.
New Jersey primary elections historically draw between 10 and 15 percent of registered voters. And while those numbers can be pretty disappointing – especially to candidates who work hard to raise awareness about their political futures – it can also remind everyone about the power of each vote.
This is especially true in Dover, where historically the winner of the primary is heavily favored to win in the general election. So this is where your vote counts the most for local government!
That’s why DOVERNOW Magazine wants to help all Dover residents make informed decisions about the local, county, and state primaries that will set the stage for November’s elections. We hope this reporting, candidate interviews, and data will help you with your decisions.
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Election Resources
> What ward am I in? See this map -> link.
> Am I registered? Check with the NJ Department of State -> link.
>Where can I vote? Log into the NJ Division of elections website and enter your address and zipcode -> link.
>How can I vote? There are three ways to vote. More info -> link.
1. Vote by mail ballot
2. In-person early voting
3. In-person on election day (June 10th from 6am to 8pm)
>When can I vote in-person? Polls are open 6am to 8pm on June 10th.
>Who can vote? Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for their party's candidates. Unaffiliated voters must declare as Democrat or Republican at the polls.
>Do I need ID? Longtime voters don't need ID. First-time voters need to show ID, unless they verified their identity when they registered.
BE PREPARED - check out the sample ballot for your ward here - link.
Dover Town Council Primary Contests
To help you get to know more about the town council candidates from each ward, DOVERNOW offered each primary candidate the chance to answer a written questionnaire and/or sit for a video interview.
Claudia P. Toro
incumbent
Written Responses - none
Video interview - none
Ward 1
Daniella Mendez
Sergio Rodriguez
incumbent
Ward 2
Judith Rugg
Michael J. Scarneo
incumbent
Ward 3
Christopher Almada
Arturo B. Santana
incumbent
Written Responses - none
Video interview - none
Ward 4
unopposed
Written Responses - n/a
Video interview - n/a